Our dogs need for connection is strong and as social animals they have evolved to be part of our family pack. It is therefore no surprise that many dogs struggle with being left home alone and can suffer from seperation anxiety. Many working families need to leave their dogs for periods of time during the day and it is reassuring to know that teaching your dog to be left is a skill which can be learnt!
Scientific Nutritional Products, the company behind Canine Joint Right, takes a look at supporting dogs with separation anxiety and how you can support your dog to be left at home alone comfortably.
Scientific Nutritional Products share their Top Tips for helping your dog to be happy to stay home alone
1. Meet their Physical Needs First
Dog owners should first ensure their dog’s physical needs are met before the dog is left alone.
Going for a walk before you leave the house helps your canine friend burn off energy and receive the mental stimulation they need to rest at home without you. Your dog will also be much more comfortable home alone if they have had a sufficient amount to eat. A good quality dog food can be accompanied with a Dog Joint Supplement in the diet such as Canine Joint Right from Scientific Nutritional Products. This dog joint supplement helps optimise all-round dog joint health with a premium package of ingredients including Glucosamine for Dogs, Chondroitin, HA, MSM & DHA Omega-3 Oils for maximum joint mobility. .)
2. Keep it Cosy
Creating a cosy and comfortable environment for your dog can be really helpful. If dog owners want to avoid stress-based behaviours from their dog such as barking, pacing or chewing furniture providing a comfortable dog bed somewhere warm and quiet is ideal. Some dogs benefit from having the radio left playing to distract from outside noises and to give comfort from hearing the human voice. Building a positive association with being left can also include leaving them with toys or a special food treat that they only have when you leave them.
3. Build Time Away Gradually
The most important aspect of coping with separation anxiety is to build your dog’s tolerance to it.
In practice this means leaving your dog for short periods before returning. You can start by stepping out for just a few minutes before returning and build this up to longer periods. Some dogs can also benefit from learning a signal or a word which helps them predict what will happen. It is also important to keep your departures and the subsequent arrival back home calm and routine to limit your canine’s stress and excitement to the experience.
By utilising these key measures over time it can teach our dogs that time alone is safe.
Scientific Nutritional Products are experts in equine and canine nutrition and proudly manufacture Canine Joint Right; a premium dog joint supplement formulated with Glucosamine for Dogs, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid plus Omega 3 oils. The comprehensive supplement for dogs is ideal to support active or ageing dogs with stiffer joints.
Available from www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk or for more information why not speak to our team about your dog today - contact us on Freephone: 0800 032 7774
